I wrote the following response to the post below on the TreasureNet forum.

"Well ive noticed latly when you call a detector company like fisher minelab tesoro.They usually have one guy runing the teck support wich is pathetic. And by the time you get a hold of him for a question about your detector he doesnt now the answer.Most of the time there out on call wich makes no sense.How can companys like Minelab & fisher have one guy for teck support thats never there? And buy the time you get a hold of him its like your speaken fricken chinese to the guy? Seems like these companys manny times just sell there product and God forbid you ever have a question are problem with the detector. There like some company in China one guy answering the phone selling the product and runing the company all at the same time. Common companys get your sht together. Sorry guys just teed off when companys that make money pull these cheap labor tactics."

Running my own business I can tell you people want lots of service and the lowest price. It's not

easy to make money when I spend 3 hours with the guy who only ends up spending $100.

People buy detectors online and look for the lowest price. The local dealers are driven out of business by bigger outfits and sporting goods chain stores that offer little to no customer service.

I bought my first detector from a local dealer (now deceased). He showed me how to use it, and I asked him when I had questions. I broke the battery wires and he soldered them on the spot for me - no charge. I bought my second detector from a local dealer (now out of business). These small guys usually got into selling machines because they love the hobby. They're detecting themselves when they can, and will usually talk to you as much as you need (sometimes more!) just because they love the hobby. They are a wealth of information, tips and tricks.

The company that makes your detector depends on the dealers to give you personalized service. I would ask your dealer first before going direct to the manufacturer. The manufacturer will handle repairs and warranty claims, but for questions and technical support your dealer (local or not) is the best place to get great customer service. Buying from a local or smaller dealer may cost you a few bucks more, but you get what you pay for.

Imagine it like this. You buy a Ford car from your local Ford dealer. It starts making a clunking noise. Do you call Ford corporate headquarters in Detroit to ask about the clunking noise in your car? I don't know about you, but I'd call the local Ford dealer I bought my car from first.

The detector companies are going to prioritize their tech support calls. Dealers get in first, individuals will have to wait. This makes good sense. A dealer might sell 10-100 machines a year. An individual usually only has one detector and they'll probably have it a few years. They are better off helping the guy who helps them sell more machines first.

I'm not saying you don't have a valid point, just trying to explain that the manufacturers do care about you, but they are set up so that dealers are offering tech support. I guess the final question is where did you buy your detector, and has your dealer been able to help you?